The donation of one's body upon death is a unique gift that provides a source of knowledge and training that cannot be substituted by any other means. For the donor, it is a final act of giving that extends beyond the immediate utilization of the body. It is a gift that helps to establish the foundation of our future health care professionals in learning about the intricacies of the human body. At the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, body donation is vital for physicians, nurses and allied health practitioners to better understand and master human anatomy, and for researchers to potentially advance medical treatments and procedures.

Body donation within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is coordinated through the Humanity Gifts Registry (HGR), which is located in Philadelphia, PA. Since the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a recipient of donor bodies for its various health professions programs, the OOAS responds to all inquiries from individuals and family members regarding body donation. The HGR provides the OOAS with its informational material, including donor registration cards, to disseminate to interested persons. Inquiries vary and are initated by individuals, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, and funeral homes on behalf of family members.

One of the most important responsibilities of this Office is to establish an environment of respect and dignity in the utilization of each donor body by faculty, staff, and students.

For your information, a copy of the brochure prepared by the Humanity Gifts Registry is attached. If you are interested in receiving an informational packet, please contact the OOAS. You may also click on the link provided for the HGR website.

Additionally, if you are interested in donating specific tissue that may be utilized for research on ALS, Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias, or mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disease, there are donation opportunities offered by the following University of Pittsburgh programs. Links to the websites are also provided.

Center for ALS Research
Alzheimer Disease Research Center
Translational Neuroscience Program